In today's global landscape, English has emerged as a critical mode of communication. With the expansion of businesses from English-speaking countries, assessing the English-speaking skills of candidates has become essential before hiring. Companies now rely on English Communication Skills Assessment to screen candidates and employees for English communication skills.
English communication proficiency is not only vital for career advancement but also crucial for success in the competitive corporate world. The ability to communicate effectively in English can significantly impact an organization's success, especially when integrated with fields like technology, engineering, finance, sales, and marketing. In BPOs for customer support, high typing speed and accuracy in English are increasingly important due to the growing trend of live chats.
Despite investments in English language training, many employers still face a gap between the English skills required and those candidates possess:
- 67% of employers in non-English speaking countries report an English language skills gap.
- 22% of employers in English-speaking countries report the same issue.
This gap underscores the importance of English as a key language for workplace success and progression.
Challenges with English Proficiency Assessments During Hiring
Organizations face several challenges when assessing English proficiency during hiring:
1. Bias: Non-native speakers may face unfair bias during assessments, leading to inequitable hiring decisions.
2. Cultural Influence: Cultural differences can impact comprehension and use of language, leading to unfair assessment results.
3. Limited Scope: Standard tests often fail to measure real-world English communication skills accurately.
4. Lack of Business Application: Many tests focus on written responses, which do not simulate actual English communication.
5. High Cost: Recognized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE can be expensive, potentially excluding qualified candidates.
6. Lack of Standardization: Many tests lack features like proctoring and are more suited for academic purposes than organization needs.
Why Pre-Employment English Proficiency Tests are Crucial
Pre-employment English assessments are essential to evaluate candidates' skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. According to Talent Board Candidate Experience research, "82% of companies use some form of pre-employment assessment." These tests help measure candidates' English proficiency objectively and reliably.
Different Levels of English Proficiency
English proficiency is often measured using the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) standard, which includes seven levels:
1. Pre A1 (Starter): Familiar with basic vocabulary.
2. A1 (Beginner): Basic comprehension and interaction.
3. A2 (Elementary): Basic communication on common topics.
4. B1 (Intermediate): Basic grammar and workplace communication.
5. B2 (Upper-Int): Fluency in technical topics and interaction.
6. C1 (Advanced): Effective communication in workplace situations.
7. C2 (Mastery): Fluent and precise communication.
About CEFR
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is a European standard for language proficiency, now widely used globally, especially for European languages. It is not tied to a specific test, allowing standardized tests to offer CEFR level equivalents. The CEFR categorizes language ability into seven levels i.e. Pre A1 (Starter), A1 (Beginner), A2 (Elementary), B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate), C1 (Advanced) & C2 (Mastery).
CEFR Origins
Developed in the 1990s by the Council of Europe, the CEFR aims to unify language teaching across Europe and provide clear proficiency evaluations for employers and educational institutions. It consists of "can-do" statements describing practical language skills at each level.
Importance of the CEFR
The CEFR is the standard for describing language proficiency in Europe, particularly in education. It is used on CVs to present proficiency in multiple languages. However, in professional settings, it’s best to include standardized test scores and practical examples of language use.
How to determine Candidates CEFR Level with iMocha
To find the CEFR level, candidate must take iMocha’s English Writing Test which takes about 30-35 minutes to complete. You can now assess candidates' English writing skills beyond grammar, vocabulary and Comprehension.
Benefits of English Proficiency Assessment During Hiring
Assessing English proficiency during hiring offers several benefits:
1. Effective Communication: Ensures smooth communication with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.
2. Role-Specific Hiring: Helps hire candidates who can understand and respond to diverse accents and dialects.
3. Skill Evaluation: Determines candidates' ability to meet English communication needs.
4. Quick Elimination: Filters out candidates who do not meet the required proficiency level.
Why You Should Use iMocha’s AI-EnglishPro During Hiring
iMocha's AI-EnglishPro offers a comprehensive solution for assessing English communication skills, saving time and resources:
1. Time Efficiency: AI-driven assessments save 60% of evaluation time by automating the process and filtering candidates who do not meet proficiency criteria.
2. Customized Tests: Tailored assessments to meet industry-specific needs and organization goals.
3. Training Needs Identification: Identifies employees' training requirements, allowing for targeted development programs.
4. Cost Savings: Reduces costs by focusing training programs on those who need them most and preventing bad hires.
Smoother Hiring for English Communication Skills with iMocha
iMocha's AI-EnglishPro helps organizations quantify candidates' English proficiency, ensuring smooth communication and effective hiring. With in-depth reports based on CEFR standards, HR leaders and recruiters can make informed decisions and maintain standardized English skills across the organization. For more information, visit our website.
